The Little Denim Dress, for a dude ranch party and bridal shower - How to Wear DIY

The Little Denim Dress, for a dude ranch party and bridal shower - How to Wear DIY

• 7.31.2014

The winning dress of the summer so far. Seriously, I wouldn't have believed what this dress could do till I saw it! (slash did it!)

I made The Little Denim Dress kind of on a whim since I had some extra fabric and love my versatile strapless dress pattern. But good thing, since I've already worn it to three different events!

My office's annual summer company picnic is a big event, and this year it was a "dude ranch" theme. And, of course I'm on the planning committee, so I figured I had to dress the part!

It was 95 degrees the day of the picnic, so a classic dude ranch-ey outfit of jeans, boots, and a plaid shirt was not an option. I thought about something else kind of western, like white cotton eyelet or a jean skirt, but I don't have anything in those categories. So rather than jeans, I wore the denim dress!

Cowboy boots would have been perfect with it, right? But also too hot, and I don't own any. Instead I opted for these neutral sandals I've been living in this summer. Seriously, they go with everything!

Ha! Me in a floppy cowboy hat!

As summer scheduling would have it, immediately after the picnic I had a friend's bachelorette party/bridal shower to attend. I probably could have brought something to change into, but I didn't have the planning capacity. So, I wore the dress and left the hat in the car!

Surprisingly, the dress was totally appropriate for the relaxed bachelorette party, too! I fit right in with everyone else in their summer dresses. Seriously, what a versatile dress!

Hat: J.Crew via Goodwill. Belt: Vintage, Goodwill. Sandals: Old Navy. Dress: DIY, here!

I'm never letting you go, Little Denim Dress. How many summer dresses are fun & easy to wear all day, plus receive compliments at both a work function and a girly bridal shower? Win win win!